STATEMENT OF REASONS

Central Ranges Pipeline Gas Network Annual Tariff Variation 2014–15

The Australian Energy Regulator has approved annual tariff variations for the Central Ranges Pipeline Gas Network in accordance with Part 3B sections 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.4A and Part 3C clause 3.5A of the 2005 access arrangement (the access arrangement1). The access arrangement sets out a price path over a five year period. The approved tariffs are consistent with the price path established by the access arrangement and approved by the AER at the time of the last gas price review.

The reasons for allowing the tariff variations are that:

 We are satisfied that Central Ranges Pipeline Gas Network has correctly applied the approved variation method to calculate the reference tariffs in accordance with Part 3B of the access arrangement. The approved tariff variation method consists of an escalation formula whereby the reference tariffs are escalated by the change in the average of the CPI for the four quarters to December on a year on year basis multiplied by the previous year’s approved reference tariff.

Approved reference tariffs for 2014–15

Charge in $/GJ (excl. GST) Charge in $/GJ (incl. GST) Special contract 0.06 0.07 transportation service Contract transportation 1.62 1.78 service I & C transportation service 2.01 2.21 Domestic transportation 4.71 5.18 service

1 See http://www.apa.com.au/media/140844/access%20arrangement%20cenrral%20ranges%20network %20amended%20august%20and%20october%202008.pdf  We are satisfied that Central Ranges Pipeline Gas Network has correctly applied the approved variation method to calculate charges for ancillary services in accordance with Part 3C clause 3.5A of the access arrangement. The approved tariff variation method consists of an escalation formula whereby the reference tariffs are escalated by the change in the average of the CPI for the four quarters to December on a year on year basis multiplied by the previous year’s approved reference tariff.

Approved ancillary service charges for 2014–15

Charge in $ (excl. GST) Charge in $ (incl. GST) 71.52 plus 71.52 per hour 78.67 plus 78.67 per hour Request for service after the first hour after the first hour Special meter read 42.90 47.19 Meter testing service 247.93 272.72 Domestic customer 89.39 98.33 disconnection fee I & C contract and special contract customer 357.57 393.33 disconnection fee After hours reconnection 119.20 131.12 service